Rugby

Andrew Coombs looking ahead to the 6 Nations.

If Wales win the opening match of their 2016 RBS 6 Nations' campaign away in Ireland, they should go on to win the whole championship. That is the view of the newest member of the Clwb Rygbi Rhyngwladol team, Dragons' second-row Andrew Coombs. The Welsh international lock will be part of the presentation team throughout this year's RBS 6 Nations campaign as S4C broadcasts live coverage of each of Wales' matches. We recently caught up with the second-rower from Quakers Yard, to get his take on the Six Nations, his new role as analyst for Clwb Rygbi, as well as his tips to make an impression for the Under 20s team.

How will it feel for you to stand beside the pitch as a member of the Clwb Rygbi Rhyngwladol team, rather than playing on it in this Six Nations, Andrew?

I would rather be on the pitch but this work is keeping me busy and it's a good challenge. I've had trouble with the injury but I've enjoyed my new job. It also helps with the Dragons because I'm doing a lot of research and learning more about other teams and players.

How have you enjoyed becoming a television rugby analyst since your injury?

It's been a good challenge for me. It's important that S4C are showing all of Wales' games because we need to see the Welsh language in rugby. A lot of the boys enjoy watching the games on S4C and it's brilliant that we'll be showing all of Wales' matches in this year's campaign.

How do you think Wales will do this year and how tough will that opening game be in Ireland?

I think this is going to be an interesting season. I believe Wales have enough to win the Six Nations. Ireland is a tough place to go; I played the last time Wales went there in the Six Nations but we lost 26-3 – it was a very difficult game!

I don't think Ireland will be as strong this year and it's a good time to play them. I think if we can win that game, it will create a lot of momentum and Wales could go on to win the championship.

Which player do you think will have caught Warren Gatland's attention so far this season? Can you see there being any surprise selectios for Dublin?

Tom James fits into Warren Gatland's style of play; he's powerful and he can cross the gain line. I'm sure he will start the first game. He's been on fire for the Blues this season. There won't be much change in the forwards. In the second-row, Alun Wyn has been playing on a different level and Luke Charteris has been on fire this season for Racing 92.

Which game do you think will be Wales' toughest test?

The team to watch is England. The new coach Eddie Jones has not had much time but he'll want his team to play well and his players will be trying to make an impression. They will want to stake a claim for a place in that team. I think Wales will win the Six Nations but the game in Twickenham will be their toughest match - there is a chance we could lose that game.

A lot of Wales' players will be back from injury by then, but England will be eager to put one over on us after they lost in the World Cup.

Which player do you think will make an impression for the Wales under 20s team?

A lot of the under 20s boys are coming through at the Dragons and a couple of them are playing brilliantly. Leon Brown is a huge prop and I'm sure he'll be ready to show what he can do, just like Ollie Griffiths did last year. The under 20s competition is a great opportunity for the players to get some confidence on the international stage and the standard is high.